It was thus created and used by gay men communities, mainly during the 70s and 80s.
The Hanky Code was created at a time when open discussions about sexuality (especially between two men) were illegal, as was being gay. II - History of the Hanky code (scarf code / gay bandana code) It was a way for gay men, and members of the BDSM community from the 60's to the 80's, to secretly signal their sexual interests at a time when homosexuality was very much frowned upon. This was done by wearing a bandana of a certain color, usually in the back pocket of your pants (the choice of the pocket being important, we will come back to this later). The ' scarf code' (also called 'Hanky code', 'handkerchief code', 'bandana code') refers to a system whose purpose is to make known one's interest for certain sexual orientations and practices.
I) Meaning and definition of the scarf code (or bandana) Discover the origin, the history and the meaning of the hanky code: from its creation to nowadays, through the LGBT movements.Īt the end of this article you will know everything there is to know about the ' Hanky code', and will be able to wear your bandana in accordance with this code, if you wish.
